Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce
Quick sautéed shrimp tossed in a vibrant chili-garlic sauce with a hint of sweetness and fresh herbs for a bold seafood dish. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 12 minutes blends pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, minced, teaspoon red chili flakes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon red chili flakes to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring to develop a slight sear.
- Step 4: Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss shrimp to coat evenly and cook for 1 more minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro over the shrimp. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Chili-Garlic Sauce?
Asian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
